By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Hanna’s Roberto Palomo is one of the area’s top defensive soccer players.
Actually, for the second straight year, he’s being recognized as the best.
Palomo, a senior center back and three year-starter, is The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Defensive Player of the Year.
It’s the same award Palomo won last season as a junior when the Golden Eagles advanced to the Region IV-6A Tournament.
Hanna didn’t get a chance to return to the regional tournament this year because its season was cut short by the UIL before the playoffs began due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered what remains of the 2019-20 school year to be canceled, ending all possibility of spring sports continuing.
Still, the Eagles finished second in District 32-6A with a 6-4 record and 20 points. They went 18-6-2 overall.
Hanna coach Reyes Prado said Palomo, who has been on the varsity for four years, is on the same level as some of the best defenders to play for the Eagles and who have gone on to shine in college.
“Roberto has the potential to play at the next level if that’s what he wants to do,” the Hanna coach said, “He has the tools, he has everything. He has improved big-time as a mature player from his sophomore year to his senior year. He’s always there leading by example in practice and games.
“The team was very happy to have him there in the back (defending),” Prado added. “The team depended on him. There were no worries with him there. He has the ability to place himself in the right spot at the right moment 99 percent of the time. He was very good at beating the opponent to the ball and making a play. Technically, he would gain control of the ball and come out to make a play from the back.”
Palomo said playing for Hanna has been an invaluable experience.
“Being there on the varsity all four years has taught me a lot,” he said. “You grow as a team. You get to know everybody, so it takes it deeper (as far as relationships and camaraderie).
“We’re all friends and we’re all close together, not only during the games but outside the field, too,” Palomo added. “We didn’t feel pressured because we were all together, even when the (game) situation was bad, and for the good times as well.”
To receive an award for his standout play on defense is awesome, Palomo said.
“I’m very grateful that people think that about me (as being a top defensive player),” he said. “I believe I’ve put in the work and the time (practicing). I’m just grateful.”
There are many people to thank for helping him develop his soccer skills, the Hanna senior said.
“First of all, I’d like to thank Coach Prado,” Palomo said. “I also thank (club coaches) Letty Capistran, Lalo Mata and Andres Macillas, and all the (other) coaches I’ve had since my childhood and during my teenage years. I’m just grateful for my high school coaches and my coaches from my outside leagues as well.
“I want to thank my family, especially my parents (Roberto Sr. and Dalia Palomo) for their support in everything I do,” he added. “I also want to thank God for helping me.”
Prado said it will not be the same for the Eagles next season without Palomo there to lead the defense.
“Roberto is a tremendous asset to have, and I know we’re going to miss him,” Prado said. “He has the potential (to play in college) as a defender or midfielder. He’s very good with his feet (dribbling the ball). He’s just a real humble player. I wish I had him for another year, but that’s the way it is. I wish him all the best in the future.”